A test device and test method for verifying comprehensive performance of an umbilical cable

By providing a comprehensive performance testing device and method, the problem of not being able to conduct comprehensive performance testing of umbilical cables under deep water conditions in the prior art is solved. This enables the reliability verification of umbilical cables in deep water environments, simulates their long-term operation under harsh conditions, and verifies their mechanical, electrical, and water-blocking properties.

CN117782830BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-23NINGBO ORIENT WIRES & CABLES CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NINGBO ORIENT WIRES & CABLES CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-12-29
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies cannot perform comprehensive performance testing of umbilical cables under simulated deep-water conditions, especially integrated testing of mechanical and electrical properties, which poses safety risks.

Method used

A testing device and method for verifying the comprehensive performance of an umbilical cable are provided, including mechanical testing, electrical testing, and water permeability testing devices. The device is capable of performing comprehensive performance testing on the umbilical cable under simulated deep water conditions. The mechanical testing device is used to perform mechanical performance testing, the electrical testing device is used to perform electrical performance testing, and the water permeability testing device is used to perform water permeability performance testing.

Benefits of technology

The reliability of the umbilical cable in deep water environment was verified, simulating its long-term operation under harsh conditions, verifying its mechanical, electrical and water-blocking performance, and ensuring safety.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a test device and a test method for verifying comprehensive performance of an umbilical cable, and relates to the technical field of umbilical cable performance testing. The test device for verifying comprehensive performance of the umbilical cable comprises a mechanical test device, an electrical test device and a water permeation test device. The mechanical test device is used for performing mechanical performance testing on the umbilical cable. The electrical test device is used for performing electrical performance testing on the umbilical cable after the mechanical test device performs mechanical performance testing on the umbilical cable. The water permeation test device is used for performing water permeation testing on the umbilical cable after the electrical test device performs electrical testing on the umbilical cable. The device can perform mechanical testing, electrical testing and water permeation testing on the same sample cable, can more truly simulate stress of the umbilical cable under deep water conditions, and has mechanical performance, electrical performance and water blocking performance, so that the reliability of the deep-sea strong electric composite umbilical cable can be verified.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of umbilical cable performance testing technology, and more specifically, to a testing device and method for verifying the comprehensive performance of umbilical cables. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, deepwater oil and gas development activities are becoming increasingly active worldwide, with some oil and gas fields operating at water depths of around 1500 meters. Umbilical cables, serving as the "lifeline" connecting top-level facilities and subsea production systems, have become one of the key pieces of equipment in deepwater oil and gas development. The highest voltage level of umbilical cable projects already in operation in China is 35kV. With the use of high-power subsea booster equipment, the voltage level of umbilical cables will gradually increase to 66kV or even higher, a feat rarely seen in international engineering projects. Therefore, verifying the long-term operational reliability of high-voltage composite umbilical cables under deep water conditions is one of the key issues that needs to be addressed.

[0003] Currently, there is no unified standard for testing 66kV high-voltage composite umbilical cables for deep water. Most tests verify the cable's performance by separating mechanical and electrical properties. Current testing equipment cannot simultaneously simulate the stress conditions of the umbilical cable in deep water and perform electrical performance tests, posing certain safety risks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a testing device and method for verifying the comprehensive performance of umbilical cables. It can perform mechanical, electrical and water permeability tests on the same section of sample cable, realistically simulating the mechanical, electrical and water-blocking properties of the umbilical cable under deep-water conditions, thereby verifying the reliability of deep-sea high-voltage composite umbilical cables.

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as follows:

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a testing device for verifying the overall performance of umbilical cables, comprising:

[0007] A mechanical testing device is used to perform mechanical performance tests on umbilical cables, including strength testing, torsional balance testing, tension testing, tension bending performance testing, and fatigue testing.

[0008] An electrical testing device is used to perform electrical performance tests on the umbilical cable after the mechanical testing device performs the mechanical performance tests on the umbilical cable. The electrical performance tests include partial discharge, withstand voltage, thermal cycling, dielectric loss, and lightning impulse tests.

[0009] A water permeability testing device is used to perform a water permeability test on the umbilical cable after the electrical testing device performs an electrical test on the umbilical cable. The water permeability test includes longitudinal water permeability testing of the conductor, longitudinal water permeability testing of the metal shield, testing of the flexible joint, and radial water permeability testing of the emergency repair joint.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the testing equipment for verifying the overall performance of the umbilical cable further includes a first test anchor, wherein the umbilical cable includes multiple steel pipes, high-voltage cable cores, low-voltage cable cores, and optical fiber cores, and the first test anchor is used to connect and fix to the multiple steel pipes, the high-voltage cable cores, the low-voltage cable cores, and the optical fiber cores respectively;

[0011] The mechanical testing device includes a tension bending machine, and the two ends of the umbilical cable are connected by the first test anchor. The tension bending machine is used to test the performance of the umbilical cable under a combination of tension and bending.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the first test anchor includes a first anchor housing and a connecting portion, the first anchor housing having a receiving space, the side of the first anchor housing being connected to the connecting portion, and the connecting portion being provided with a shackle.

[0013] The top surface of the first anchoring housing has multiple through holes; each through hole is used for the steel pipe, the high-voltage cable core, the low-voltage cable core, or the optical fiber core to pass through and connect to the first anchoring housing; the first anchoring housing also has an adhesive injection hole, which is connected to the receiving space and is used to inject adhesive into the receiving space to fix the multiple steel pipes, the high-voltage cable cores, the low-voltage cable cores, and the optical fiber cores to the first anchoring housing respectively.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the testing equipment for verifying the overall performance of the umbilical cable further includes a second test anchor, which is used to connect and fix to the high-voltage cable core, the low-voltage cable core, the optical cable core and the steel pipe respectively;

[0015] The mechanical testing device also includes a fatigue testing machine. The fatigue testing machine has two terminals, one of which is connected to one end of the umbilical cable via a first test anchor, and the other terminal is connected to the other end of the umbilical cable via a second test anchor. The fatigue testing machine is used to test the terminal strength, tensile characteristics, torsional properties, and fatigue properties of the umbilical cable.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the second test anchor includes a second anchor shell, a first base plate, and a second base plate, wherein the first base plate and the second base plate are respectively connected to both ends of the second anchor shell; the first base plate has a first channel, and the second base plate has a plurality of second channels, each of the second channels and the first channel being used together to connect and fix the high-voltage cable core wire, the low-voltage cable core wire, the optical cable core wire, or the steel pipe.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a test method for verifying the performance of an umbilical cable, the test method for verifying the performance of an umbilical cable comprising:

[0018] Mechanical performance tests are performed on the umbilical cable, including terminal strength test, torsional balance test, tension test, tension bending performance test and fatigue test;

[0019] The electrical performance of the umbilical cable was tested.

[0020] A water permeability test was performed on the umbilical cable.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the testing equipment for verifying the overall performance of the umbilical cable includes a first test anchor and a second test anchor, which are used to install and connect the umbilical cable.

[0022] The umbilical cable is subjected to mechanical performance tests, including terminal strength tests, torsional balance tests, tension tests, tensile bending performance tests, and fatigue tests.

[0023] Prepare a sample cable and take a section of the umbilical cable for later use;

[0024] Install a first test anchor at the end of the sample cable;

[0025] The sample cable was subjected to a tension bending test;

[0026] The sample cable is divided into a first sample cable and a second sample cable, and one end of the first sample cable and one end of the second sample cable are both equipped with the first test anchor.

[0027] Install the second test anchor at the other end of the first sample cable;

[0028] The first sample cable was subjected to terminal strength testing, torsional balance testing, and tension testing.

[0029] Fatigue tests were performed on the first sample cable.

[0030] In an optional implementation, after performing the fatigue test on the first sample cable, the test method for verifying the performance of the umbilical cable further includes:

[0031] Cut the first test anchor of the first sample cable;

[0032] The second test anchor is installed at the end of the second sample cable that is furthest from the first test anchor.

[0033] Connect the first sample cable and the second sample cable;

[0034] An emergency repair connector housing is installed at the connection between the first sample cable and the second sample cable, and the two ends of the emergency repair connector housing are respectively connected to the two second test anchors;

[0035] The first test anchor is reinstalled at one of the cut ends of the first sample cable to form the third sample cable;

[0036] A tension test was performed on the third sample cable;

[0037] Cut off the first test anchors at both ends of the third sample cable and remove the third sample cable.

[0038] In an optional implementation, electrical testing of the umbilical cable includes:

[0039] Connect both ends of the third sample cable to the electrical terminal to form a test circuit;

[0040] Electrical tests were performed on the third sample cable.

[0041] In an optional implementation, after the step of performing electrical tests on the third sample cable, the test method for verifying the performance of the umbilical cable further includes:

[0042] A water permeability test was conducted on the first sample cable and the emergency joint housing, which had undergone all mechanical and electrical performance tests.

[0043] The first sample cable after the water permeability test was subjected to non-electrical performance tests, including dimensional inspection, structural inspection, mechanical performance tests before and after insulation aging, and insulation thermal elongation tests.

[0044] The beneficial effects of the testing equipment for verifying the overall performance of umbilical cables according to embodiments of the present invention include:

[0045] The same umbilical cable was subjected to mechanical, electrical, and water permeability tests using mechanical, electrical, and water permeability testing equipment. First, the umbilical cable underwent multiple mechanical performance tests to simulate the harsh conditions of the umbilical cable in the deep-sea environment, including tensile, bending, and torsional stresses during installation and operation. Fatigue testing was also conducted to simulate long-term operation under wave and current conditions. Next, electrical tests were performed on the same umbilical cable to verify whether its internal components were damaged after undergoing a series of mechanical performance tests. Finally, water permeability tests were performed on the same umbilical cable to verify its longitudinal and radial water-blocking performance under the water pressure of the corresponding deep-water environment. This realistically simulated the installation and underwater operation of the high-voltage composite umbilical cable, verifying its reliability for long-term operation in harsh environments. Attached Figure Description

[0046] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first test anchorage provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first view of the second test anchoring provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second test anchorage from a second perspective provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an umbilical cable undergoing a tension bending test provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation of a first test anchor and a second test anchor at both ends of a first cable provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of the first sample cable and the second sample cable to form the third sample cable in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical test circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Icons: 100 - First test anchor; 110 - First anchor housing; 111 - Through hole; 112 - Glue hole; 120 - Connection part; 121 - Shackle; 200 - Second test anchor; 210 - Second anchor housing; 220 - First base plate; 221 - First channel; 230 - Second base plate; 231 - Second channel; 300 - Umbilical cable; 310 - First sample cable; 320 - Second sample cable; 330 - Third sample cable; 340 - Steel pipe; 350 - High voltage cable core; 360 - Low voltage cable core; 370 - Optical fiber core; 400 - Emergency repair joint housing; 500 - Flexible joint; 600 - Electrical terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0056] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0057] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0058] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this invention is usually placed, they are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0059] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0060] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0061] Currently, deepwater oil and gas development activities are becoming increasingly active worldwide, with some oil and gas fields operating at water depths of around 1500 meters. Umbilical cables, serving as the "lifeline" connecting top-level facilities and subsea production systems, have become one of the key core pieces of equipment in deepwater oil and gas development. The highest voltage level of umbilical cable projects already in operation in China is 35kV. With the use of high-power subsea booster equipment, the voltage level of umbilical cables will gradually increase to 66kV or even higher, a situation rarely seen in international engineering projects. Therefore, verifying the long-term operational reliability of high-voltage composite umbilical cables under deep water conditions is one of the key issues that needs to be addressed. Currently, there is no unified standard for testing 66kV high-voltage composite umbilical cables in deep water; most methods use separate testing of mechanical and electrical properties to verify cable performance. Current testing equipment cannot simultaneously simulate the stress conditions of umbilical cables under deep water conditions to conduct electrical performance tests, posing certain safety risks.

[0062] Based on this, this embodiment provides a testing device and method for verifying the comprehensive performance of an umbilical cable, which can effectively solve the aforementioned technical problems. This testing device and method can perform mechanical and electrical tests on the same sample cable, realistically simulating the mechanical and electrical properties of the umbilical cable 300 under deep-water conditions, thereby verifying the reliability of the deep-sea high-voltage composite umbilical cable 300.

[0063] The testing equipment for verifying the comprehensive performance of the umbilical cable includes a mechanical testing device, an electrical testing device, and a water permeability testing device. The mechanical testing device performs mechanical performance tests on the umbilical cable 300, including strength testing, torsional balance testing, tension testing, tensile bending performance testing, and fatigue testing. The electrical testing device performs electrical performance tests on the umbilical cable 300 after the mechanical testing device has performed these tests. These electrical performance tests include partial discharge, withstand voltage, thermal cycling, dielectric loss, and lightning impulse tests. The water permeability testing device performs water permeability tests on the umbilical cable 300 after the electrical testing device has performed these tests. These tests include longitudinal water permeability testing of the conductor, longitudinal water permeability testing of the metal shield, and radial water permeability testing of the flexible joint 500 and the emergency repair joint. By allowing the mechanical and electrical testing devices to be used to perform separate mechanical and electrical tests on the same umbilical cable 300, multiple mechanical performance tests can be performed on the umbilical cable 300 first. The study simulates the harsh conditions of the umbilical cable 300 in a deep-sea environment, including tensile, bending, and torsional stresses during installation and operation. Fatigue testing simulates its long-term operation under wave and current conditions. Electrical testing further verifies the electrical performance of the internal components after undergoing a series of mechanical performance tests, including high tension and fatigue tests. Finally, a water permeability test is conducted to verify the longitudinal and radial water-blocking capabilities under the corresponding water pressure in deep-water environments. This realistically simulates the installation and underwater operation of the umbilical cable 300, verifying its reliability for long-term operation in harsh environments.

[0064] To simulate the installation process of the umbilical cable 300, and to save time in connecting and installing the cable to various test equipment during multiple mechanical performance tests, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first test anchor 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second test anchor 200 from a first perspective provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A diagram from another perspective; Figure 5This is a schematic diagram showing the installation of a first test anchor 100 and a second test anchor 200 at both ends of the first umbilical cable 310 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The mechanical testing device in this embodiment includes the first test anchor 100. The umbilical cable 300 includes multiple steel pipes 340, high-voltage cable cores 350, low-voltage cable cores 360, and optical fiber cores 370. The first test anchor 100 is used to connect and fix the multiple steel pipes 340, high-voltage cable cores 350, low-voltage cable cores 360, and optical fiber cores 370 respectively. The mechanical testing device includes a tension bending machine, a fatigue testing machine, and a tension testing machine. The two ends of the umbilical cable 300 are connected through the first test anchor 100. The tension bending machine is used to test the performance of the umbilical cable 300 under combined tension and bending conditions. In the tension bending test, terminal strength test, tension-torsion balance test, and fatigue test, the first test anchor 100 is retained without removal, which can save the installation and removal time of the anchors during the testing process, thereby improving testing efficiency.

[0065] Specifically, the first test anchor 100 includes a first anchor housing 110 and a connecting part 120. The first anchor housing 110 has a receiving space, and the side of the first anchor housing 110 is connected to the connecting part 120. The connecting part 120 is provided with a shackle 121. The top surface of the first anchor housing 110 has multiple through holes 111. Each through hole 111 is used for a steel pipe 340, a high-voltage cable core wire 350, a low-voltage cable core wire 360, or an optical fiber core wire 370 to pass through into the receiving space and connect with the first anchor housing 110. The first anchor housing 110 also has an adhesive injection hole 112, which communicates with the receiving space. The adhesive injection hole 112 is used to inject adhesive into the receiving space to fix multiple steel pipes 340, high-voltage cable core wires 350, low-voltage cable core wires 360, and optical fiber core wires 370 to the first anchor housing 110 respectively. Each steel pipe 340, high-voltage cable core 350, low-voltage cable core 360, or optical fiber core 370 is connected to the first test anchor 100 through a through hole 111. Then, glue is injected into the accommodating space of the first anchor housing 110 through the glue injection hole 112, so that the umbilical cable 300 will not rotate or move relative to the first anchor housing 110, thereby preventing the movement of the umbilical cable 300 from affecting the results of subsequent mechanical performance tests.

[0066] Of course, as long as the first anchor can connect and fix the umbilical cable 300, facilitate some mechanical performance tests on the umbilical cable 300, and facilitate the installation and disassembly of the umbilical cable 300 during the test process, the specific structure of the first anchor is not limited here.

[0067] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 and combined Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the first sample cable 310 and the second sample cable 320 to form the third sample cable 330 in an embodiment of the present invention. The mechanical testing device in this embodiment also includes a second test anchor 200. The umbilical cable 300 also includes a low-voltage cable core wire 360 ​​and an optical cable core wire 370. The second test anchor 200 is used to connect and fix with the high-voltage cable core wire 350, the low-voltage cable core wire 360, the optical cable core wire 370 and the steel pipe 340 respectively. Specifically, the second test anchor 200 in this embodiment includes a second anchor shell 210, a first base plate 220, and a second base plate 230. The first base plate 220 and the second base plate 230 are respectively connected to both ends of the second anchor shell 210. The first base plate 220 has a first channel 221, and the second base plate 230 has multiple second channels 231. Each second channel 231 and the first channel 221 are used together to connect and fix the high-voltage cable core 350, the low-voltage cable core 360, the optical cable core 370, or the steel pipe 340. Specifically, the multiple second channels 231 include a larger channel located in the middle of the second base plate 230 and multiple smaller channels around the middle channel. The umbilical cable 300 is inserted through the first channel 221, and the steel pipe 340, the high-voltage cable core 350, the low-voltage cable core 360, and the optical cable core 370 of the umbilical cable 300 are all separated. The high-voltage cable core wire 350 emerges from the larger hole in the middle of the second base plate 230, while the steel pipe 340, low-voltage cable core wire 360, and optical cable core wire 370 emerge from the smaller hole next to the middle hole, thereby enabling the installation of the second test anchor 200 on the umbilical cable 300.

[0068] Alternatively, other structural forms of the second test anchor 200 may be adopted, as long as they can connect and fix the high-voltage cable core 350, low-voltage cable core 360, optical cable core 370 and steel pipe 340 of the umbilical cable 300 respectively, so as to facilitate the subsequent connection of the umbilical cable 300 to the fatigue testing machine, and facilitate the connection of the same umbilical cable 300 to the emergency repair connector housing 400 after mechanical testing, so as to form an electrical test circuit. The specific structure of the second test anchor 200 is not limited here.

[0069] To test the fatigue level and various mechanical properties of the sample cable, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 The diagram below shows an umbilical cable undergoing a tension bending test in an embodiment of the present invention. The mechanical testing device in this embodiment also includes a fatigue testing machine. The fatigue testing machine has two terminals, one of which is connected to one end of the umbilical cable 300 via a first test anchor 100, and the other terminal is connected to the other end of the umbilical cable 300 via a second test anchor 200. The fatigue testing machine is used to test the terminal strength, tensile characteristics, torsional performance, and fatigue performance of the umbilical cable 300.

[0070] Please see Figure 7 and combined Figure 4 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical test circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In order to simulate the reliability of the umbilical cable 300 in long-term stable operation in a deep-sea environment, after the tension bending test of the umbilical cable 300 is completed, the umbilical cable 300 is divided into a first sample cable 310 and a second sample cable 320. After all mechanical performance tests are completed on the first sample cable 310, the first sample cable 310 and the second sample cable 320 are connected to form a third sample cable 330. After the tension test of the third sample cable 330 is completed, both ends of the third sample cable 330 are connected to the electrical terminal 600 to form an electrical test circuit. Then, the third sample cable 330 is subjected to electrical testing by an electrical testing device.

[0071] An embodiment of the present invention provides a test method for verifying the performance of an umbilical cable. The test method for verifying the performance of an umbilical cable includes:

[0072] Mechanical performance tests were conducted on the umbilical cable 300, including strength tests, torsional balance tests, tension tests, tension bending performance tests, and fatigue tests.

[0073] Electrical tests were performed on the umbilical cable 300, including partial discharge, withstand voltage, thermal cycling, dielectric loss and lightning impulse tests.

[0074] Water permeability testing was conducted on the umbilical cable 300. The water permeability test included longitudinal water permeability testing of the conductor, longitudinal water permeability testing of the metal shield, radial water permeability testing of the flexible joint 500, and radial water permeability testing of the emergency repair joint.

[0075] The testing equipment for verifying the comprehensive performance of the umbilical cable includes mechanical testing equipment, electrical testing equipment, water permeability testing equipment, a first test anchor 100, and a second test anchor 200. The mechanical testing equipment includes a tension bending machine, a fatigue testing machine, and a tension testing machine. The first test anchor 100 and the second test anchor 200 are used to install and connect the umbilical cable 300. The tension bending machine is used for tension bending testing; the fatigue testing machine is used for terminal strength testing, tension testing, torsional balance testing, and fatigue testing; and the tension testing machine is used for tension testing of the umbilical cable 300 with the emergency repair joint. The electrical testing equipment includes an electrical terminal 600 and an electrical testing instrument; the electrical terminal 600 is used to connect the umbilical cable 300 to the electrical testing instrument. The water permeability testing equipment includes a high-pressure water permeability device for longitudinal or radial water permeability testing of the umbilical cable 300, the flexible joint 500, and the emergency repair joint.

[0076] Mechanical performance tests were conducted on the umbilical cable 300, including terminal strength testing, torsional balance testing, tension testing, tensile bending performance testing, and fatigue testing.

[0077] Prepare a sample cable, and take a 300 mm section of umbilical cable for later use;

[0078] In this embodiment, a sample cable of about 50 meters is used. The sample cable includes one or more high-voltage flexible connectors 500. Of course, other lengths of sample cable can be cut according to the specific test standards and the requirements of various performance tests. This is not limited here.

[0079] Install the first test anchor 100 at the end of the sample cable;

[0080] Tension bending test was performed on the sample cable;

[0081] In this embodiment, the sample cable is placed on a tension bending machine and tension is applied. The tension is slowly increased to the maximum tension corresponding to a specified water depth of 1500 meters. Without changing the bending direction of the cable, it is continuously wound three times on the tension bending turntable. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 Of course, the maximum tension value can be changed according to the specific requirements of the test project, and no limitation is made here.

[0082] Please see Figure 4 The sample cable is divided into a first sample cable 310 and a second sample cable 320. One end of the first sample cable 310 and one end of the second sample cable 320 are both equipped with a first test anchor 100.

[0083] Please see Figure 5 Install a second test anchor 200 at the other end of the first test cable 310;

[0084] In this embodiment, the umbilical cable 300, steel pipe 340, high-voltage cable core wire 350, low-voltage cable core wire 360, optical cable core wire 370, and steel pipe 340 are passed through the second anchoring shell 210. The tail cable length is retained to be about 2 meters. Glue is injected into the second anchoring shell 210 to form a sealed chamber to prevent the umbilical cable 300 from moving relative to the second anchoring shell 210. The retained length of the tail cable is determined according to specific test requirements and is not limited here.

[0085] The first cable 310 was subjected to terminal strength test, torsional balance test and tension test.

[0086] After the first cable (310) is installed, it undergoes terminal strength testing and torsional balance and tension testing. The traction force is gradually increased to the maximum tension at a specified loading speed, then the load is increased to 1.1 times the maximum tension, and unloaded at a specified unloading rate. During loading, the stable elongation and torsion angle are recorded, and this process is repeated three times. After the final loading, the load is maintained for one hour, and then unloaded at the same unloading rate. During the test, the test tension, extensometer displacement deformation, and torsion angle must be recorded. The conductor resistance is monitored and recorded online during the test. After the test, the cable insulation resistance and fiber optic continuity are tested and recorded.

[0087] A tension bending test was performed on the first cable 310;

[0088] After the terminal strength test, torsional balance test, and tension test, the first sample cable 310 was subjected to a tension bending test. First, the steel pipe 340 was pressurized to the installation pressure and held for 15 minutes to stabilize the pressure. Then, the hydraulic tension and bending control system of the fatigue testing machine was started. The tension hydraulic cylinder was operated first to gradually apply the tensile load to the maximum tensile force. Then, the fatigue testing machine's swing head was used to drive the first sample cable 310 to bend to the specified bending radius R, so that the sample cable adhered to the bending arc plate of the fatigue testing machine. After stabilization, it was held for 1 hour, and then unloaded in the same manner. After the test, the cable insulation resistance and fiber optic continuity were tested and recorded. The holding time is determined according to specific test standards and requirements and is not limited here.

[0089] Fatigue testing was performed on the first cable 310;

[0090] After the tension bending performance test is completed, fatigue testing is performed on the first umbilical cable 310. First, the tension is applied to the maximum tension, then the swing hydraulic cylinder is activated, causing the swing head of the fatigue testing machine to be anchored and swung. The curvature of the bending section is monitored by an inclination sensor. When the curvature reaches the specified curvature, the test angle is recorded. Then, the umbilical cable 300 is swung to a horizontal position, and the test angle reaches β = 0 degrees. This is recorded as one cycle step. In this recovery motion, it is necessary to ensure that at least one section of the umbilical cable 300 in the contact segment with the bending arc plate changes its curvature from the specified curvature to +∞. The electrical function of the umbilical cable 300 unit and the pressure of the steel pipe 340 are monitored online. After the test, a pressure test is performed on the steel pipe 340 to check the pressure change, and an optical cable continuity test is performed on the optical cable.

[0091] After the fatigue test of the first cable 310, the mechanical performance test of the umbilical cable is performed. The test methods to verify the performance of the umbilical cable also include:

[0092] Cut the first test anchor 100 of the first cable 310;

[0093] After the fatigue test is completed, the first test anchor 100 is cut off, and the first test cable 310 with the second test anchor 200 is removed from the fatigue machine.

[0094] The second test anchor 200 is installed at the end of the second sample cable 320 that is away from the first test anchor 100;

[0095] Install the second test anchor 200 at the other end of the second sample cable 320 away from the first test anchor 100, and at the same time reserve approximately 2m each of the high-voltage cable core wire 350, low-voltage cable core wire 360, optical cable, and steel pipe 340 tail cable. The length of the tail cable is determined according to the specific test requirements and is not limited here.

[0096] Connect the first sample cable 310 and the second sample cable 320;

[0097] The high-voltage cable core 350, low-voltage cable core 360, and optical cable core 370 reserved in the first sample cable 310 are connected to the high-voltage cable core 350, low-voltage cable core 360, optical cable core 370, and steel pipe 340 reserved at one end of the second sample cable 320 with the second test anchor 200 by means of flexible joint 500 and steel pipe 340 by means of socket welding.

[0098] Please see Figure 6 An emergency repair connector is installed at the connection between the first sample cable 310 and the second sample cable 320, and the two ends of the emergency repair connector are respectively connected to the second test anchor 200.

[0099] The first test anchor 100 is reinstalled at the cut end of the first sample cable 310 to form the third sample cable 330;

[0100] Remove all the glue from the first test anchor 100 cut off in the above steps and reinstall it to the other end of the first sample cable 310 to form a new test sample cable. That is, the third sample cable 330 includes the first test anchor 100, the first sample cable 310, the emergency repair connector, the second sample cable 320, and another first test anchor 100.

[0101] Tension testing was performed on the third sample cable 330;

[0102] Tension tests were performed on the third sample cable 330. The first test anchor 100 was connected to the fixed bracket, and both first test anchors 100 were connected to the tensile testing machine. The test tension was slowly increased to the maximum tension and held for 30 minutes. The holding time is determined according to the specific test standard and is not limited here.

[0103] Cut off the first test anchors 100 at both ends of the third sample cable 330 and remove the third sample cable 330;

[0104] After the test is completed, the two first test anchors 100 are cut off, and the continuity of the optical cable is tested.

[0105] Electrical testing of umbilical cable 300 includes:

[0106] Please see Figure 7 Connect both ends of the third sample cable 330 to the electrical terminal 600 to form a test circuit;

[0107] Electrical tests were conducted on the third sample cable 330, including partial discharge, withstand voltage, thermal cycling, dielectric loss and lightning impulse tests.

[0108] Following the electrical testing of the third sample cable 330, the test methods for verifying the performance of the umbilical cable also include:

[0109] The first cable 310 and the emergency joint housing 400, which have undergone all mechanical and electrical performance tests, were subjected to water permeability tests and non-electrical tests.

[0110] After the electrical tests are completed, a high-pressure water permeability test is performed on the first sample cable 310, the flexible joint 500 on the first sample cable 310, and the emergency repair joint, which have undergone all mechanical and electrical performance tests, and the test results are recorded. The water permeability test includes longitudinal water permeability test of the conductor, longitudinal water permeability test of the metal shield, radial water permeability test of the flexible joint 500, and radial water permeability test of the emergency repair joint.

[0111] After the water permeability test, the first sample cable 310 or the second sample cable 320 is subjected to non-electrical performance tests, including dimensional inspection, structural inspection, mechanical performance tests before and after insulation aging, and insulation thermal elongation tests.

[0112] Using the above testing method, the first test anchor 100 at one end of the emergency repair joint housing 400 and the first test anchor 100 at the fatigue test end can be shared. Only two first test anchors 100 and two second test anchors 200 need to be purchased, requiring a total of 5 anchor installations. This saves on the purchase cost of anchors and adhesive, reducing testing costs and the number of times test engineers need to install anchors. It not only simplifies the testing process but also reduces testing time.

[0113] In summary, the testing equipment for verifying the comprehensive performance of the umbilical cable includes a mechanical testing device, an electrical testing device, and a water permeability testing device. The mechanical testing device is used to perform mechanical performance tests on the umbilical cable 300, including strength testing, torsional balance testing, tension testing, tensile bending performance testing, and fatigue testing. The electrical testing device performs electrical performance tests on the umbilical cable 300 after the mechanical performance tests, including partial discharge, withstand voltage, thermal cycling, dielectric loss, and lightning impulse tests. The water permeability testing device performs water permeability tests on the umbilical cable 300 after the electrical tests, including longitudinal water permeability tests on the conductor, longitudinal water permeability tests on the metal shield, and radial water permeability tests on the flexible joint 500 and the emergency repair joint. The same umbilical cable 300 was subjected to mechanical, electrical, and water permeability tests using mechanical, electrical, and water permeability testing devices. First, the umbilical cable 300 underwent multiple mechanical performance tests to simulate the harsh conditions of the umbilical cable 300 in a deep-sea environment, including tensile, bending, and torsional stresses during installation and operation. Fatigue tests were also conducted to simulate long-term operation under wave and current conditions. Next, electrical tests were performed on the same umbilical cable 300 to verify whether its internal units were damaged after undergoing a series of mechanical performance tests. Finally, water permeability tests were performed on the same umbilical cable 300 to verify its longitudinal and radial water-blocking performance under the water pressure of the corresponding deep-water environment. This realistically simulated the installation and underwater operation of the high-voltage composite umbilical cable 300, verifying its reliability for long-term operation in harsh environments.

[0114] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A test method for verifying the performance of an umbilical cable, characterized in that, The test method for verifying the performance of the umbilical cable includes: Mechanical performance tests are performed on the umbilical cable (300), including strength test, torsional balance test, tension test, tension bending performance test and fatigue test; Electrical tests were performed on the umbilical cable (300); A water permeability test was performed on the umbilical cable (300); The testing equipment for verifying the comprehensive performance of the umbilical cable includes a first test anchor (100) and a second test anchor (200), which are used to install and connect the umbilical cable (300). The umbilical cable (300) is subjected to mechanical performance tests, including terminal strength tests, torsional balance tests, tension tests, tension bending performance tests, and fatigue tests. Prepare a sample cable and take a section of umbilical cable (300) for later use; Install a first test anchor (100) at the end of the sample cable. The sample cable was subjected to a tension bending test; The sample cable is divided into a first sample cable (310) and a second sample cable (320), and one end of the first sample cable (310) and one end of the second sample cable (320) are both equipped with the first test anchor (100). Install the second test anchor (200) at the other end of the first sample cable (310); The first sample cable (310) was subjected to terminal strength test, torsional balance test and tension test; Fatigue testing was performed on the first sample cable (310); After performing the fatigue test on the first sample cable (310), the test method for verifying the performance of the umbilical cable further includes: Cut the first test anchor (100) of the first sample cable (310); The second test anchor (200) is installed at the end of the second sample cable (320) away from the first test anchor (100); Connect the first sample cable (310) and the second sample cable (320); An emergency repair connector housing (400) is installed at the connection between the first sample cable (310) and the second sample cable (320), and the two ends of the emergency repair connector housing (400) are respectively connected to two second test anchors (200); The first test anchor (100) is reinstalled at one cut end of the first sample cable (310) to form the third sample cable (330). Tension testing was performed on the third sample cable (330); Cut off the first test anchors (100) at both ends of the third sample cable (330) and remove the third sample cable (330). Electrical testing of the umbilical cable (300) includes: Connect both ends of the third sample cable (330) to the electrical terminal (600) to form a test circuit; Electrical tests were performed on the third sample cable (330).

2. The test method for verifying the performance of the umbilical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, Following the step of performing electrical tests on the third sample cable (330), the test method for verifying the performance of the umbilical cable further includes: A water permeability test was conducted on the first sample cable (310) and the emergency repair connector housing (400) after all mechanical and electrical performance tests were performed. The first sample cable (310) after the water permeability test is subjected to non-electrical performance tests, including dimensional inspection, structural inspection, mechanical performance tests before and after insulation aging, and insulation thermal elongation tests.

3. A testing device for verifying the overall performance of umbilical cables, characterized in that, The test equipment for verifying the overall performance of the umbilical cable as described in claim 1 or 2 includes: A mechanical testing device is used to perform mechanical performance tests on an umbilical cable (300), the mechanical performance tests including strength tests, torsional balance tests, tension tests, tension bending performance tests and fatigue tests; An electrical testing device is used to perform electrical performance tests on the umbilical cable (300) after the mechanical testing device performs the mechanical performance tests on the umbilical cable (300). The electrical performance tests include partial discharge, withstand voltage, thermal cycling, dielectric loss, and lightning impulse tests. A water permeability testing device is used to perform a water permeability test on the umbilical cable (300) after the electrical testing device performs an electrical test on the umbilical cable (300). The water permeability testing device includes longitudinal water permeability testing of conductors, longitudinal water permeability testing of metal shields, radial water permeability testing of flexible joints, and radial water permeability testing of emergency repair joints.

4. The testing equipment for verifying the comprehensive performance of umbilical cables according to claim 3, characterized in that, The testing equipment for verifying the comprehensive performance of the umbilical cable also includes a first test anchor (100). The umbilical cable (300) includes multiple steel pipes (340), high-voltage cable cores (350), low-voltage cable cores (360), and optical fiber cores (370). The first test anchor (100) is used to connect and fix the multiple steel pipes (340), the high-voltage cable cores (350), the low-voltage cable cores (360), and the optical fiber cores (370) respectively. The mechanical testing device includes a tension bending machine, and the two ends of the umbilical cable (300) are connected through the first test anchor (100). The tension bending machine is used to test the performance of the umbilical cable (300) under a combination of tension and bending.

5. The testing equipment for verifying the comprehensive performance of umbilical cables according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first test anchor (100) includes a first anchor housing (110) and a connecting part (120). The first anchor housing (110) has a receiving space. The side of the first anchor housing (110) is connected to the connecting part (120). The connecting part (120) is provided with a shackle (121). The top surface of the first anchoring housing (110) has multiple through holes (111); each through hole (111) is used for the steel pipe (340) or the high-voltage cable core (350) or the low-voltage cable core (360) or the optical cable core (370) to pass through into the receiving space and connect with the first anchoring housing (110); the first anchoring housing (110) is also provided with an adhesive filling hole (112), the adhesive filling hole (112) is connected to the receiving space, and the adhesive filling hole (112) is used to fill the receiving space with adhesive to achieve the fixation of multiple steel pipes (340), high-voltage cable cores (350), low-voltage cable cores (360) and optical cable cores (370) to the first anchoring housing (110) respectively.

6. The testing equipment for verifying the comprehensive performance of umbilical cables according to claim 5, characterized in that, The testing equipment for verifying the comprehensive performance of the umbilical cable also includes a second test anchor (200), which is used to connect and fix to the high-voltage cable core (350), the low-voltage cable core (360), the optical cable core (370) and the steel pipe (340) respectively; The mechanical testing device also includes a fatigue testing machine. The fatigue testing machine has two terminals, one of which is connected to one end of the umbilical cable (300) through the first test anchor (100), and the other terminal is connected to the other end of the umbilical cable (300) through the second test anchor (200). The fatigue testing machine is used to test the terminal strength, tensile characteristics, torsional properties and fatigue properties of the umbilical cable (300).

7. The testing equipment for verifying the comprehensive performance of umbilical cables according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second test anchor (200) includes a second anchor shell (210), a first base plate (220) and a second base plate (230), the first base plate (220) and the second base plate (230) being connected to both ends of the second anchor shell (210) respectively; the first base plate (220) is provided with a first channel (221), and the second base plate (230) is provided with a plurality of second channels (231), each of the second channels (231) and the first channel (221) being used together to connect and fix the high voltage cable core (350) or the low voltage cable core (360) or the optical cable core (370) or the steel pipe (340).